“The more I shop the more empty it feels” – this is what I posted to facebook last week after spending three days in some of the world’s biggest shopping centres (or malls as they are called in Dubai). This past week I have been very blessed to have a week of break time where I could stay in a small hotel onshore – but best of all my parents came to visit me! I have missed them dearly for the last year that I have been away and it was wonderful to see them and catch up on all that has happened.
With my parents came wonderful gifts and cards from many of you and some very generous financial gifts. I am very thankful for your loving support. With the money I have purchased myself a new camera to replace the one that broke in Egypt – it is a Sony HX1. I have really enjoyed taking lots of photos recently and I hope to share many nice photos with you in the weeks to come. I have been able to bless my fellow crewmembers by taking photos of them to send to their families and in their newsletters. I was also able to buy some nice respectable shirts, pants and shoes which I need for the Arab world.
During my break I was able to visit the world’s tallest building and go up to the one-hundred-and-twenty-fourth floor! What an amazing view it was from up there! I also went as a passenger 4 wheel driving over sand dunes in the desert and riding camels. Now I am well rested and ready to return to the ship and make the most of the next 7 months before I return home.

On floor 124 of the world's tallest tower!

Dad and I ride a camel